Turkish tourism is a winner from climate change. Warmer weather and more sunny days are extending the tourism sector in Turkey. In the past, the typical season ended in late September. However, now the season can go all the way to December. This is especially the case in the Mediterranean area where temperatures are around 20° C in December.
Over the last few years, the number of tourists visiting Antalya and Istanbul from October to December has been increasing. Many tourists assert that the weak currency (TRY) and a diversified tourism sector are factors for visiting from October to December. However, the mild weather is the number one reason for coming.
In recent years, the Turkish economy has faced many challenges. However, increased tourism has helped alleviate the high unemployment rate and help the economy. Typically, tourists like to shop, sightsee, and eat and drink. Thus, there is more economic activity. This helps the economy in so many ways. Turkey made an estimated $29.5 billion from tourism in 2018. Also, the above figure doesn’t mention the unrecorded tourism sector. Therefore, the figures are a lot higher.
If climate change continues as predicted by scientists, Turkey’s tourism sector will benefit year around. Not only Antalya and Istanbul will benefit, but other cities, too. Black Sea cities may see significant increases. Ordu, may see the biggest benefits with its diversified tourism.
However, not all in the tourism sector are cheering. Ski resorts are facing shorter seasons with less skiers. Despite the challenges, some resorts have invested in snow machines. Therefore, this may alleviate some of the problems of warmer winters.
Economic benefits of climate change for tourism in Turkey
- Increased profits for tourism related businesses
- Increase in tax revenue for the state (new tourism tax for 2019)
- Hard currency (USD and EURO)
- More jobs, not only seasonal but more permanent, too.
- Better passenger numbers for THY and other carriers
- Higher hotel occupancy rates
- Increase in retail sales
Costs of an extended tourist season in Turkey
- Increase in pollution
- Water shortages
- Prolonged traffic
- Increase in inflation rate
To sum up, Turkish tourism is a winner from climate change. With so much revenue earned from extended tourism, this will help the economy. As long as Turkey keeps security a priority and promotes tourism, the warmer weather will do the rest.
